Sanmar Shipyards, Turkey’s oldest and most renowned tugboat manufacturer, has announced a significant partnership with Auramarine, a leading global provider of fuel supply and auxiliary systems. The collaboration will see Auramarine supply methanol supply systems for two large methanol dual-fuel tugs, marking a groundbreaking step in the marine industry.
Innovative Tugs for KOTUG Canada
The tugs, commissioned by KOTUG Canada, are set to become the first of their kind, equipped with dual-fuel methanol systems. Scheduled to enter service in mid-2025, these vessels will be based on the RAsalvor 4400-DFM design by Robert Allan Ltd. Each tug will measure 44 meters in length and is designed to operate in some of the harshest maritime environments globally. They will play a crucial role in Canada’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP), escorting tankers from Vancouver’s harbor limits to the open Pacific Ocean through the commercial shipping lanes of the Salish Sea.
These revolutionary tugs will be the most powerful escort vessels in Canada, with a remarkable bollard pull capability of 120 tonnes. Beyond their impressive power, the vessels will offer substantial environmental and ecological benefits. They are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and underwater radiated noise, contributing to the protection of the Salish Sea’s resident Killer Whales.
John Bergman, CEO of Auramarine, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are very pleased to work with Sanmar Shipyards, one of the leading tugboat builders globally. Being part of this unique project aligns with our commitment to supporting clients in their decarbonization efforts. Auramarine’s tailored designs ensure that our solutions are optimal for specific ship types and fleet requirements.”
Hakan TUNÇ, Engineering Director at Sanmar Shipyards, added: “Together with Auramarine, we are advancing the shipping industry towards sustainability with the world’s first large purpose-built dual-fuel methanol escort tugs. This collaboration provides an excellent opportunity for both companies to innovate and support the industry’s future.”
The agreement between Sanmar Shipyards and Auramarine was finalized on September 4, 2024, at the SMM Hamburg Exhibition, underscoring the commitment of both companies to innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.
About Sanmar Shipyards
Established in 1976, Sanmar Shipyards has been at the forefront of the maritime industry, driving the evolution towards environmentally friendly and low-emission tugboats. With exclusive designs from Robert Allan Ltd, Sanmar’s portfolio includes cutting-edge battery-electric tugs and vessels using alternative fuels like LNG and methanol. Operating from two eco-friendly shipyards in Turkey, Sanmar is equipped with a large stock of tugs for immediate delivery and a dedicated team of engineers for custom solutions. The company serves major international operators in diverse and challenging maritime conditions, including towage, ship-handling, salvage, emergency response, and offshore operations.
About Auramarine Ltd
Auramarine, founded in Finland in the early 1970s, is a trusted expert in fuel and auxiliary systems for marine, power, and process industries. The company has delivered over 16,000 robust and reliable systems worldwide. With more than 100 employees and offices in Finland and China, along with representatives in over 25 countries, Auramarine is committed to superior service and customer value.
Source Auramarine Ltd.